Mice in the home: what can you safely do yourself?
Seal food and pet food, clear away crumbs and check gaps and pipe penetrations. Record signs and avoid exposure to droppings. A single sighting does not tell you how many mice are present.
Check the evidence first
Gnawing damage, droppings and repeated sightings provide more information than rustling alone. A shrew is not a house mouse and needs a different assessment.
Note where fresh signs reappear. This helps focus an investigation.
Address food and shelter
Store food in sturdy sealed containers. Also keep pet food, bird food and waste out of reach. Keep storage organised so signs do not remain hidden behind boxes.
Cleaning alone may be insufficient if access or shelter remains.
Assess openings and cleaning carefully
Check doors, pipe connections and structural defects. Have relevant openings repaired without blocking ventilation or technical systems.
Avoid direct contact with droppings and raising contaminated dust. Follow reliable cleaning advice. Do not use poison on your own initiative.
Rented home, owners’ association or business?
Discuss shared structural routes with the landlord or property manager. Who carries out and pays for measures depends on the situation; this guide does not provide a legal opinion.
RBL helps business clients, including property managers and owners’ associations (VvEs). Private individuals can also contact KAD or the municipality for general information.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and further information
General information, not a diagnosis for your location. Have the species identified if in doubt. Consult a healthcare professional about health symptoms and do not use pesticides without appropriate instructions.
Further reading
Help for your business
RBL Services helps business clients in Noord-Holland, Utrecht, Zuid-Holland and Flevoland. Discuss an inspection for your business premises, kitchen, production site or homeowners’ association.
Pest control for owners’ associations in Amsterdam →
Business pest management →